Volunteer wins community award

Proud volunteer Sheila Needham, from
Royston in Hertfordshire, was recently announced as Health Worker
of the Year 2008.

Sheila has been a member of St John Ambulance Hertfordshire,
Royston Division for 41 years, and was recently recognised as a
shining example to others in the
Cambridge News’ Community Awards.

The glittering event was held at Homerton College in
Cambridge and recognised the efforts of inspirational
individuals and outstanding
organisations.

Sheila was nominated for the accolade by a former colleague and
commended for her outstanding contribution to the
community as a longstanding and important member of St
John Ambulance. In addition to a dazzling cut-glass trophy, Shelia
also received a three-night hotel break in Edinburgh.

The people collecting these awards are genuine unsung heroes heroes in the community.

Paul Brackley

Cambridge News Editor

She said: ‘It was an incredible feeling to be nominated for this
award, and to see so many people commended for their service to the
community was truly awe inspiring. I was very excited and honoured
to receive this award.’

After initially joining the division as a nursing officer,
Sheila worked as a first aid trainer and continued to volunteer as
a member upon retiring from her nursing career.

Paul Brackley, the editor of the Cambridge News, co-presented
the event with group editor-in-chief Colin Grant. Paul said: ‘The
people collecting these awards are genuine unsung heroes in the
community. We are extremely pleased to be able to honour them.’